Pressure Slip Casting Mould Tightening via Swinging Brackets
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing plants for pressure slip casting of hygienic-sanitary articles face issues with imperfect mould closure, leading to potential fractures and slip escape, due to high internal pressures, resulting in increased manufacturing and installation costs, structural complexity, and production flaws.
Innovation Solution
A plant design featuring a base frame with guided mould elements and hydraulic actuators for precise alignment and tightening, using retention tie-rods and swinging brackets operated by hydraulic actuators to ensure consistent mould closure and pressure regulation, reducing structural complexity and costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If vertical retention rods and automated fastening devices are used to tighten upper and lower mould elements, then the mould elements are firmly joined together, but the system cannot ensure perfect closing of the mould under high internal pressure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the functions of retention rods and closing cylinders into an integrated closing system. The side mould elements incorporate both retention and closing functions through combined structural elements that work together to maintain mould closure under varying pressures throughout the casting process.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic adjustment capabilities in the closing system, allowing the mould elements to adapt to changing internal pressures during casting. The system transitions from static retention rods to dynamic closing mechanisms that can respond to pressure variations, ensuring continuous perfect closure.
2Reliability
If an upper cylinder is added to hydraulically press the upper mould element against other mould elements, then mould closure force is increased, but the upper mould elements become particularly cumbersome and difficult to lift and lower
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the closing function into separate side-mounted closing cylinders rather than adding weight to the upper mould element itself. This distributes the closing force generation to lateral positions, maintaining upper element lightness while achieving reliable closure through coordinated side cylinder action.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces intermediate closing mechanisms (side closing cylinders and associated linkages) that mediate between the hydraulic power source and the upper mould element. These intermediaries transmit closing force without requiring direct vertical pressing, avoiding the need for heavy upper elements.
3Force
If side cylinders are used to close side mould elements, then closing force is applied, but the release systems place too much stress on the supporting structure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the traditional closing approach by using side-mounted cylinders that push laterally rather than vertical cylinders that press downward. This lateral closing action redirects forces away from the main vertical supporting structure, reducing stress on foundations while maintaining effective mould closure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from vertical force application to lateral force application for mould closing. By operating in the horizontal dimension rather than vertical, the system achieves closing force while minimizing impact on the vertical supporting structure, effectively moving the problem to a different spatial dimension.
4Strength
If retention rods and fastening devices are used to join mould elements, then structural integrity is maintained, but manufacturing and installation costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs side mould elements with multi-functional integrated structures that combine retention rod mounting, closing cylinder mounting, and fastening device integration into single components. This reduces the total number of separate parts, simplifying manufacturing and assembly while maintaining structural integrity through coordinated multi-function elements.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution provides a cost-effective, structurally simplified, and functionally efficient plant that maintains mould closure under varying pressures, preventing burrs and slip escape, thus reducing production costs and enhancing product attractiveness.
Implementation Method 1
hydraulic actuators for precise alignment and tightening
Implementation Method 2
hydraulic actuators operated by hydraulic pressure
Implementation Method 3
retention tie-rods, which, in the lower part, can be fastened to the lower mould elements
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
The plant (1) for the pressure slip casting of hygienic-sanitary articles comprises: - a base frame (3a, 3b) supporting two side mould elements (4, 5) and two horizontal mould elements (6, 7), one of which lower (6) and one upper (7), the mould elements (4, 5, 6, 7) being reciprocally mobile between an opening configuration and a closing configuration in which the mould elements (4, 5, 6, 7) define an inner cavity (27) for the pressure slip casting of ceramic material and the forming of hygienic-sanitary articles (2); - tightening means (16, 17, 18) of the mould elements (4, 5, 6, 7) in closing configuration which comprise at least a retention tie-rod (16) which is mounted on at least one of the side mould elements (4, 5), or horizontal mould elements (6, 7), and has two opposite extremities that can be fastened onto the horizontal mould elements (6, 7), or side mould elements (4, 5); - at least a pressure transducer (28) suitable for detecting the pressure in the inner cavity (27) during the slip casting and regulation means (29) for regulating the hydraulic pressure in the hydraulic actuator (18) interlocked to the pressure transducer (28); in which - at least one of the opposite extremities of the tie-rods comprises a swelling (19); and in which - the tightening means (16, 17, 18) comprise at least a swinging bracket (17) mounted on at least one of the horizontal mould elements (6, 7), or side mould elements (4, 5), and at least a hydraulic actuator (18) suitable for operating the swinging bracket (17) between a first idle configuration and a second fastening configuration of the swelling (19).